To wrap up the coverage of Toy Fair, I thought I’d make a post with random musings on the event. I had conversations with toy reps, with other influencers, and most importantly, friends. I also got to have a fun weekend with the wife; it was Valentine’s Day weekend, after all!
So, let’s get to the musings!
Dart Zone Always Needs Harassing at Toy Fair
To be fair, they’re quite friendly and willing to put up with us. And we do our part by helping to keep the mags reloaded when other people inevitably show up to try out the blasters, or get one of the DIY kits being given away.
- The Axis Switch only has room for two magazines in its carriage…but could you remove some plastic on either side, make a longer carriage, and use as many magazines as you’re willing to carry/shove through the blaster? That thought actually isn’t far off from the original concept, but it got scaled because doing more magazines wasn’t really feasible for general consumers. Us weird hobbyists, though…I’m sure someone will make it happen…
- The Delta Pro is a lot for $14, but it admittedly isn’t as practical as previous Dart Zone pro-level revolvers, with their ability to swap cylinders. And the upgrade kit that Dart Zone will sell online is an even stranger adaptation, using both a buffer tube for a longer spring and a new metal barrel. At that point…it’s an expensive, six shot revolver that’s no longer that small. Would just grabbing one of the other revolvers be more practical at that point? I don’t know if this would be worth the time and money to upgrade when other options just…exist.
- To be clear, I’d totally try upgrading it anyway once the kit becomes available. But me experimenting for a website review doesn’t equal economic viability.
- I know the Renegade is a year late compared to the rest of the world at this point…but I’d totally run that for HvZ. Someone hook me up before Athens at the end of February, please?
- Also, I’m great at listening for info, but Beret is way better when it comes to having a conversation and asking the right questions.
Hasbro (And Wilder Toys) Thoughts
- Doom Cannon is stupid fun to use, and I’m glad slamfire is back. $45 is totally worth it for that blaster.
- I’m sure the handlers were panicking over us wanting to get shot, but come on now. That’s what we do with these toys!
- Wilder Toys having their own booth this year was great! Admittedly I know them from doing the Nerf related items, but I didn’t realize how many party games they do, including versions of the Jackbox Games I’ve played online with friends. That’s my bad!
- Also, the wind-up zombie target is adorable. I need more of them.
- Sadly, I was way off in my guesses for trying to get free dinner!
Zing
- Largely a waiting game here – I’m super happy that someone else is trying their hand at a blaster line, even if it’s essentially just reselling a previous design (seriously, the 88-ball gauntlet is sitting in my basement from when I got it in original packaging). But will they sell them online?Will a store decide to carry them here in the US? We wait and see.
Other Blaster Bits
- The Mark Rober ring blaster doesn’t work *quite* like the Koosh Vortex blasters of old. Which is sad…but I’m sure someone will print giant TPU rings and try them out.
- I’m not sure they’d be legal ammo for wars, but there was a Koosh Bow Launcher on display, and that’d be lots of fun for the smaller kids. There was also a prototype 3-shot crossbow on display, along with model box art.
- Technically, Fast Pioneer had a booth at the convention, just up the aisle from Prime Time Toys! But it also seemed they didn’t really care about people who wanted to look at the blasters, just potential clients for getting their stuff in stores. It is a trade show, I get that…so if for some reason they become more widespread on shelves, I’ll devote more website space to them.
- Gel Blaster was down on the first floor, but I didn’t really bother with them this year. Gel as a whole seems to have died down…which is mildly amusing, considering the lengths Hasbro went to in order to get their chunk of change.
FINALLY…
- LEGO had a cool public space/showoff area like last year, but having carts for building roses for Valentine’s weekend was perfect. Also, the cute animals hiding around the area. I need a pizza rat.